In response to the confirmation of bird flu in a dead tigress at Shaheed Ashfaqulla Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur, the Uttar Pradesh government has temporarily shut down zoos in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur, along with the Etawah Lion Safari, for the next seven days. The order, issued by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Anuradha Vemuri on Tuesday, follows instructions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
During the closure, all wild animals in the affected facilities will be kept under strict surveillance, with necessary medical care administered as per symptoms. Authorities have been directed to closely monitor any unusual deaths of animals or birds, especially those that may indicate a link to avian influenza.
At a high-level review meeting held at his residence, the Chief Minister stressed the urgent need to protect wildlife and domestic animals from the spread of the infection. He instructed officials to enforce central and state government guidelines strictly, ensure regular sanitisation of zoo premises, examine the health of animals and birds, and test their food for contamination.
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Employees working in enclosures will be provided PPE kits and trained about avian influenza risks. Their duties will be assigned based on exposure risk levels.
The Chief Minister also directed increased surveillance of poultry farms across the state, including controls on the movement of poultry products. He urged the health department to assess the potential impact of the H5 strain of bird flu on humans and take preventive action.
Further coordination with national bodies such as the Central Zoo Authority, the National Centre for Disease Control, the Ministry of Health, and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly has also been mandated. District administrations, along with chief medical and veterinary officers, have been instructed to ensure full compliance with all safety protocols.